08/07/2026
Centuries ago, the powerful Dene medicine man Yamǫǫ̀zha (Yamoria) travelled across the north. Yamǫǫ̀zha often transformed into animal form, and, because of his wisdom, he would be called upon to help solve problems caused by clever critters. The Yellowknife River, or Wiìliìdeh (toothless-fish river), was a good place for families to camp and await the arrival of the first spring-time waterfowl and fish moving into the shallower, warmer currents to feed. Families enjoyed years of prosperous fish harvest until a giant beaver arrived and built a mud and stick dam at its mouth, blocking both the flow of the river and access beyond. Fearlessly, the Dene tried to drive the beaver away but the beast flipped over canoes and drowned many people. Retaliation appeared useless, so they called upon the great Yamǫǫ̀zha to slay the beaver. Yamǫǫ̀zha revealed his giant snow shovel and wedged it into the beaver dam, breaking it apart. As the defeated beaver swam away into Great Slave Lake, the river was allowed to flow again, pushing the dam aside. Ancient landmarks at the Yellowknife River remain today as a testament to Yamǫǫ̀zha. (Illustration: Adolpho Ruiz)
“Yellowknife: The Story of a Golden City” book release on September 5, 2026
